Phil Palombi

Exclusive interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
August 10, 2015

Virtuoso musician shares the story of his meticulous Scott LaFaro transcription book and the details behind La Faro’s prized instrument

Ohio native Phil Palombi is a virtuoso of electric and acoustic bass, equally schooled in both classical and jazz. In addition to longstanding gigs with Maynard Ferguson and Curtis Stigers, Phil has performed and/or recorded with jazz luminaries Don Friedman, Eliot Zigmund, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Joe Lovano, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Chucho Valdes, George Coleman, Dave Liebman, Etta Jones, Billy Hart, Steve Smith and many others. Palombi is also co-leader of Tri-Fi, a popular electric-based group.

FBPO’s Jon Liebman caught up with Phil at the 2015 convention of the International Society of Bassists convention in Ft. Collins, Colo., where Phil discussed his meticulously transcribed book of Scott LaFaro bass solos, as well as having been bestowed the privilege of performing and recording with LaFaro’s priceless Prescott bass, courtesy of noted luthier Barrie Kolstein.